Telehandlers in the past ten years, is also referred to as variable reach rough terrain lift truck, has gained great fame within the material handling business. With excellent reason, these specific machinery have become the gem of the construction business. These machinery are very powerful, practical and versatile. Because several units and manufacturers has exploded during the past 5 years or so, there are presently a number of these machines readily available on the market.
In technical terms, a telehandler is considered to be an ITA* Class 7 Powered Industrial Truck. This description means it is a rough terrain lift truck, but only in name only. Any of the similarities between a vertical mast type of forklift and a telehandler literally ends on operation and on sight. There are some other significant differences between the two equipment discussed below.
As apposed to a vertical mast, a telehandler has a completely different appearance as it is made with a horizontal boom. A telehandler with a jib attachment from a distance can look more like a crane rather than a lift truck. The boom could telescope or extend and retract as long as 30 feet and beyond depending on the specific unit. The boom is also able to elevate to an angle from horizontal to approximately 70 degrees. Telehandlers have earned the nickname of "zoom booms" due to their ability to telescope. This name has become rather popular with the operators.
"Transaction" is another optional boom related function. Telehandlers that are outfitted with this alternative have a boom which is mounted on the chassis in such a way that when the operator activates it, the entire boom to travel forward and back, specifically for distances up to eight feet or so. Amongst the key benefits of this function is that it allows the forks to be withdrawn from a load cleanly or with no snags and the forks could be inserted under cleanly, regardless of the boom angle.
The construction business have been revolutionized by zoom booms. They can perform numerous jobs that used to take a lot more man-power and time to complete.